Photo gallery: Tolkien fans dress up for preview of The Hobbit

Some 600 readers of the Straits Times were treated to a special sneak peek at The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as part of Straits Times Appreciates Readers Star programme. There was also a costume competition in which the winner walked away with a Samsung tablet. -- ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

Student Ben Lim, dressed as Gollum at the special sneak peek of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey at the the Shaw Lido cinema on Wednesday night as part of Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) programme. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

23-year-old student Ben Lim (left), dressed as Gollum, a character from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, pictured on Dec 12 2012, with ten-year-old Keiji Tan (right), as part of the costume contest organised during the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) programme. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

59-year-old David Ong, who is currently unemployed, dressed as Gandalf the Grey, a character from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, pictured on 12 Dec, 2012, as part of the costume contest organised during the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) programme. He made his entire costume out of The Straits Times newspapers and had a staff attached with a light at the end. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

People take photos of 59-year-old David Ong who came dressed as Gandalf the Grey. He made his costume entirely out of Straits Times newspapers. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

41-year-old sales director Reno Tan, dressed as Gandalf the Grey, a character from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, pictured on Dec 12, 2012, as part of the costume contest organised during the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) programme. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

Seven-year-old Tyron Tan dressed as Thorin Oakenshield, a character from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, pictured on Dec 12 2012, as part of the costume contest organised during the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) programme. He came with his mother Jaslyne, who came as Galadriel and his cousin, who came as Bilbo Baggins. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

25-year-old Khoo Yu Zhi, dressed as an Uruk-hai, a character from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, pictured on Dec 12, 2012, as part of the costume contest organised during the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) programme. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

15-year-old students Ruby Comte (left) dressed as Gandalf the Grey and Sarah Westvik dressed as Bilbo Baggings, characters from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey pictured on Dec 12 2012, as part of the costume contest organised during the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) programme. Sarah emerged as runner-up during the competition. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

Teacher Jaslyne Chia, in her 30's, dressed as Galadriel, a character from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, pictured on Dec 12, 2012, as part of the costume contest organised during the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) programme. She emerged as the grand winner of the contest. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

Ms Jaslyne Chia (second from right), who dressed up as Galadriel, with her seven-year-old son Tyron Tan (left, with microphone) and her three-year-old nephew Callum Yim (centre) at a special sneak screenings of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey held at the Shaw Lido cinema on Dec 12 2012. Ms Chia is one of the top three winners for best dressed participants. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

Winners : Jason Khoo, 29 (third place), Sarah Westvik, 15 (second place) and first prize winner Jaslyne Chia, in her 30s. -- PHOTO: MARK CHEONG FOR THE STRAITS TIMES